Humboldt -Testing Equipment for Construction Materials

The Phunque Flask is the key element in a newly developed method for conducting specific gravity/absorption determinations for aggregate. This new method has been designed to eliminate the inherent guess work built into ASTM C128 and AASHTO T-84 — the current cone and tamper methods in use today. The new test is easy to perform, easy to understand and easily reproduceable between technicians and labs.

The new test method using the Phunque Flask allows you to:

• Physically and visually measure the total amount of water absorbed into a sample;
• Physically and visually measure the volume displacement of a dry sample;
• Physically and visually measure the volume displacement of a saturated sample

Characteristics obtained with the test are:

• Absorption
• Bulk Dry Specific Gravity
• Bulk SSD Specific Gravity
• Apparent Specific Gravity

The test is very easy to run and can be reliably run in the field. This can be especially helpful in asphalt operations where specific gravities can make a big impact on pay factors. This test lets the contractor check specific gravities on the material he is currently using, not lab tests, which may not be current.

The test also has the ability of providing information not available before, such as a time/rate of absorption graph for ready-mix operations, which can assess potential slump and workability loss, especially important in arid areas of the country.

This test method is currently being considered by AASHTO and the FHWA. Available in two sizes, H-3383F, a 2000ml flask with a 1" neck for fine aggregate and H-3383L, a 3000ml flask with a 2" neck for coarse aggregate.

Buy Online:

H-3383L — 3000ml flask with a 2" neck

H-3383F — 2000ml flask with a 1" neck

Proposed AASHTO standard (PDF)